Andrea Carta Mantiglia, Partner and Executive Director and Luca Menci, the HR Director of BonelliErede, explain how a crisis became a unique opportunity for team building.

Businesses and governments were simply not that prepared for the challenges brought by the rapid spread of Covid-19. Not since the post-war period has the world seen a health threat of this magnitude – some are even comparing it to the Spanish flu in terms of the repercussions.

BonelliErede has kept a close eye on the situation since day one. Besides adopting the measures required by the Italian government, the firm set up an internal working group with a twofold mission: to facilitate the firm’s operations and workflow, even remotely, and just as importantly, to provide the firm’s people and families all the assistance they might need.

The firm has launched numerous social initiatives since the outset of the health crisis, with the firm’s livebetter team playing a crucial role. The ‘livebetter’ initiative was launched in 2018 to help people at the firm juggle work and personal commitments and to promote camaraderie. But these hard times have isolated people from each other – and made it downright impossible to even grab a coffee together. The firm understood that it had to come up with more creative ways to engender the sense of community and unity that makes it so unique in terms of inclusion and diversity.

So, the livebetter team put their heads together and came up with some ideas that do just that and take everyone on a cultural journey at the same time.

Music is a language that brings people together from all walks of life from wherever in the world: so everyone in the firm was asked to share some of the songs they’ve been listening to most during this period, with the goal of putting together a special playlist for everyone to enjoy and share in. And from there was born the BonelliErede Quarantine Vibes playlist, launched on Spotify a few weeks ago.

But good music is best enjoyed with good food. And the firm’s Milan-based chef, Maurizio Bosotti, has been instrumental in helping BonelliErede’s people make the most of their time at home and unleash their creativity in the kitchen. By sharing videos, photos and written recipes, Maurizio lets the firm’s people indulge in their urge to experiment – and even take some risks.  The video recipes are also posted on the firm’s Instagram page (like the Spaghetti cacio e pepe recipe).

And with all that good food, you need a good, regular workout! And that’s how the hat-trick was scored: live online workout sessions with a pro – from low to high intensity, there’s something for everyone in the firm.

One of the most successful initiatives is no doubt, however, the BonelliErede Quarantine Challenge. Since April, the livebetter team has been sending out a weekly challenge, with people entering by submitting a photo of themselves nailing the challenge – all the firm’s people across EMEA have been joining in the fun. The welfare committee is tasked with awarding 1st, 2nd and 3rd place, with the winning photo being posted on Instagram. And all three on the winners’ podium get a bottle of wine delivered to their door.

The challenges so far have been: 

• Rediscovered Passions
• Home Office Situation
• What if BonelliErede were a cake?
• Camouflage Challenge

BonelliErede clearly cares about its people and is doing everything it can to help keep their spirits up and the sense of unity and camaraderie shining bright – and ready for whatever challenges await!

BonelliErede marked Africa Day by welcoming Seble and Weynalem who joined as local partners in AddisAbaba. The Addis Ababa team is part of their broader Africa Team, which has 40+ professionals across EMEA.  Africa Legal is delighted to welcome them on board!

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